Singer Kim Sung-kyu Tests Positive for COVID-19 After Janssen Vaccination... First Suspected Janssen 'Breakthrough Infection' Case

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] Singer Kim Sung-kyu, formerly of the group Infinite, tested positive for COVID-19 after receiving the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. This is the first known suspected case of a 'breakthrough infection' (infection after full vaccination) among Janssen vaccine recipients.

Kim's agency, Double HTNI, announced on the 27th that Kim was notified of a positive COVID-19 test result that morning. Kim had been undergoing regular weekly COVID-19 tests in preparation for his role in the musical 'Gwanghwamun Sonata.'

Kim received the Janssen vaccine on the 10th. He was vaccinated as a reservist over 30 years old, having been discharged from military service on January 8. This is a suspected case of a so-called 'breakthrough infection,' confirmed after the 14-day immune formation period following vaccination.

On the 22nd, health authorities reported that as of the 17th, among 2,172,526 people who had completed the recommended vaccination and passed 14 days, there were 31 suspected breakthrough infection cases. Accordingly, the incidence rate of suspected breakthrough infections was calculated at 1.43 per 100,000 people. By vaccine type, Pfizer accounted for 20 cases (1.2 per 100,000), AstraZeneca (AZ) 11 cases (2.1 per 100,000). No cases of breakthrough infection after completing Janssen vaccination, like Kim's, have been reported yet.

Among the 31 cases, 11 have been confirmed as breakthrough infections. Currently, health authorities classify cases confirmed positive 14 days after completing COVID-19 vaccination as 'suspected breakthrough infections,' and among these, cases confirmed to have been infected after virus exposure 14 days post-vaccination are classified as 'confirmed breakthrough infections.' Since the timing of virus exposure for Kim has not yet been confirmed, his case is still classified as suspected.

However, the agency stated that Kim is currently not showing any COVID-19 related symptoms and is in good condition. The company said, "Necessary measures have been taken, including testing related staff and employees who had overlapping routes or contact with Kim." They added, "Kim Sung-kyu has suspended all activities and will follow the guidelines of health authorities." They also noted that staff and employees who had close contact with him will self-isolate regardless of their test results.